In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that claimed the lives of 26 people, the Calcutta High Court on Friday issued a temporary ban on all programs related to the incident for the next seven days.
The decision came during a hearing on Tuesday, where Justice Tirthankar Ghosh made the ruling while addressing a petition filed by organisers of a proposed protest march in Kolkata.
The petition was filed after Kolkata Police denied permission for a non-political procession planned by some BJP officials, scheduled to take place from south Kolkata’s Tollygunge to Gariahat at 5 PM on Friday. The procession was intended to protest against the recent militant attacks in Kashmir.
During the hearing, the petitioners’ advocate, Kaustav Bagchi, argued that the rally was non-political and aimed solely at condemning the atrocities in Kashmir. He informed the court that all preparations had been completed when the police abruptly refused permission at the last moment.
However, Justice Ghosh firmly stated during the proceedings, “I have asked to stop the program on Kashmir for 7 days.” He further added that no Kashmir-related gatherings or demonstrations would be permitted during this period.
Despite repeated requests from the petitioners, the judge stood by the decision, saying, “I will not give permission now. Come after Thursday.” The matter has been adjourned, and the next hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
The court’s decision comes as the nation reels in shock following the brutal attack, where, according to initial reports, victims were selectively targeted based on their religious identities, sparking widespread outrage and protests.
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